Types of EssaysProfessor Holly Batty

Wednesday, August 27, 14

What Is An Essay?

A form of writing commonly used in academia.

A way of conveying your thoughts in a clear and concise way.

Wednesday, August 27, 14

Types of Essays

There are four types of essays that you will come across: Narrative, Description, Expository, and Argumentative.

Wednesday, August 27, 14

Why are there different types of essays?

The type, or genre, of essay that you write will always depend on the following conditions: purpose, audience, and stance.

Wednesday, August 27, 14

Purpose, Audience, and Stance (Tone).

What are you writing for? To tell a story? To describe something meaningful to you? To explore an idea? To argue a point?

Who are you writing for? Your teacher and classmates? The readers of the Writing Proficiency Exam? Scholars in your field?

How do you feel about the topic you have chosen to write on? Is it a particularly complicated and nuanced topic? Is it something you are angry about? Is it something you find humorous? What’s the tone you want to convey?

Wednesday, August 27, 14

Argumentative EssaysTypically longer because you need to convince your audience of something.

Must argue a point that someone may disagree with.

Uses a variety of rhetorical strategies, but especially logical, reliable evidence.

Wednesday, August 27, 14

Expository Essays

Similar to argument essay, but often not as long (often used for timed writing exams).

Must make some kind of point.

It can have reliable evidence, but isn’t always necessary. May have anecdotal evidence.

Wednesday, August 27, 14

Descriptive EssaysDescribes a person, place, thing, or idea.

There should be a point to your description. Is the subject something meaningful for some reason?

Requires some creativity and descriptive language.

Wednesday, August 27, 14

Narrative Essays

Tells a story of some kind.

Should have a point to your story. Why are you telling this story?

Requires some creativity and descriptive language.

Wednesday, August 27, 14

References

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/01/

Wednesday, August 27, 14